Perak government and the state Education Department are addressing the issue of illegal street racing (Mat Rempit) among youngsters, following the arrest of 22 Form Five students after an incident in Ipoh.
Perak education, higher education, youth and sports committee chairman Khairudin Abu Hanipah said the matter was being taken seriously, highlighting that guidance and counselling sessions had been conducted for the students involved.
He added that the state Education Department, in collaboration with the police, the Road Transport Department and the National Anti-Drug Agency, would run a Road Safety Advocacy programme to educate the students engaged in illegal racing.
“The agenda for dealing with discipline problems among the students was also discussed in the meeting between the state Education Department and the state police contingent headquarters on Aug 13,” said Khairudin.
He said there were 53 Road Safety Clubs and 976 Crime Prevention Clubs in schools across the state.
“These clubs will be strengthened to educate students on the dangers of illegal racing and discouraging them from engaging in these activities.”
He said the involvement of parents, the community and the private sector (PIBKS) would be increased to stop youngsters from taking part in illegal racing.“Continued efforts from the local community are essential to combat illegal streetracing, as it usually happens outside school hours, often during the night or on weekends.”
He advised the students to focus on their studies.
“Racing is not only pointless, but it can also lead to dangerous accidents and even loss of life,” he said.
On Sept 22, it was reported that 69 students were among 136 people arrested by the police in the Op Samseng Jalanan to curb illegal racing at Jalan Meru Raya, Klebang.
Perak police chief Datuk Comm Azizi Mat Aris said those arrested were aged between 12 and 45 years old, including 22 Form Five students who were scheduled to sit for their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination this year.
